WSR 13-21-149
PERMANENT RULES
DEPARTMENT OF LICENSING
[Filed October 23, 2013, 10:28 a.m., effective December 1, 2013]
Effective Date of Rule: December 1, 2013.
Purpose: Amending professional boxing, chapter 36-12 WAC and professional and amateur martial arts, chapter 36-14 WAC for effectiveness, clarity, intent and statutory authority.
Citation of Existing Rules Affected by this Order: Amending WAC 36-12-011 Definitions, 36-12-020 Guidelines for boxing weight classes, weight difference and glove weight, 36-12-030 Weigh-in, 36-12-040 Ring and equipment, 36-12-050 Gloves, 36-12-070 Hand-wraps, 36-12-110 Referee's responsibilities/authority, 36-12-130 Outcome of contests, 36-12-140 Method of counting over a boxer who is down, 36-12-150 When boxer falls from or leaves the ring during a round, 36-12-170 Officials compensation fees to be paid by promoter, 36-12-195 License fees, renewals and requirements, 36-12-196 Organizations approved by the department to certify experience, skill and training of officials, 36-12-240 To prevent injury to contestants—Physical qualifications and exams, 36-12-270 Matchmakers, 36-12-280 Timekeeper, 36-12-285 Procedure in the event that a referee is incapacitated, 36-12-300 Judges, 36-12-310 Event physician, 36-12-320 Suspensions, 36-12-360 Promoters 36-14-010 Definitions, 36-14-105 Guidelines for kickboxing, Muay Thai weight classes—Weight difference and glove weight, 36-14-106 Weighing time, 36-14-120 Officials compensation fees to be paid by promoter and 36-14-300 Requirements for ring or enclosed area; new sections WAC 36-14-020 Fouls, 36-14-1060 Participants, 36-14-1061 To prevent injury to contestants—Physical qualifications and exams, 36-14-1062 Managers, 36-14-1063 Seconds, 36-14-1064 Matchmakers, 36-14-1065 Timekeeper, 36-14-1066 Announcer, 36-14-1067 Procedure in the event that a referee is incapacitated, 36-14-109 Organizations approved by the department to certify experience, skill and training of officials, 36-14-305 Gloves, 36-14-310 Hand-wraps, 36-14-315 Officials, 36-14-320 Duties of department inspector, 36-14-325 Judges, 36-14-330 Scoring and the use of ten-point-must system, 36-14-335 Referee's responsibilities/authority, 36-14-340 Event physician, 36-14-345 Foul procedures, 36-14-350 Time considerations for fouls, 36-14-355 Outcome of contest, 36-14-360 Suspensions and 36-14-365 Promoters; and repealing WAC 36-12-500 Amateur organization recognition.
Statutory Authority for Adoption: RCW 43.24.023, 67.08.015, 67.08.017.
Adopted under notice filed as WSR 13-18-085 on September 4, 2013.
Changes Other than Editing from Proposed to Adopted Version: WAC 36-12-040 (1)(b), further defined padding in the ring and WAC 36-14-1060(2), clarified gear for females.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Comply with Federal Statute: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Federal Rules or Standards: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Recently Enacted State Statutes: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted at Request of a Nongovernmental Entity: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted on the Agency's Own Initiative: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted in Order to Clarify, Streamline, or Reform Agency Procedures: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0.
Number of Sections Adopted Using Negotiated Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; Pilot Rule Making: New 0, Amended 0, Repealed 0; or Other Alternative Rule Making: New 23, Amended 26, Repealed 1.
Date Adopted: October 23, 2013.
Damon Monroe
Rules Coordinator
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 04-16-045, filed 7/28/04, effective 8/28/04)
WAC 36-12-011 Definitions.
The following definitions will be used throughout this WAC:
(1) "Purse" ((will be)) is defined as the sum of money or other compensation by way of guarantee, percentage or otherwise, paid to a boxer.
(2) "Knockdown" is defined as when a boxer is knocked to the ring canvas by fair blows, hangs helplessly on the ropes, or the ropes prevent his/her fall, or any part of the body other than the soles of the feet touches the ring canvas.
(3) The "outcome of a contest" occurs when the contest has concluded, a determination has been made described in WAC 36-12-130, and the report to the boxing registry required by the federal Boxing Safety Act of 1996 has been submitted.
(4) "Neutral corner" is defined as one of the two corners of a ring that are not assigned to a boxer for a contest.
(5) A "count" is the audible measure of time signaled by the referee ((to a boxer who has been knocked to the ring canvas by fair blows or to a standing boxer who, in the referee's judgment, is momentarily unable to defend him/herself)) to a boxer who has been knocked down.
(6) "Scorecard" is defined as the document used by judges to score a contest.
(7) "Ten-point-must system" of scoring is defined as the scoring system used by judges giving ten points to the boxer winning a round and a lesser number of points to the boxer losing a round.
(8) "Foul" is defined as an action by a boxer, identified by the referee that does not meet the definition of "boxing" as described in RCW 67.08.002. Fouls may include, but are not limited to, the following types of contact or acts:
(a) Hitting, a low blow, below the navel or behind the ear;
(b) Hitting an opponent who is knocked down;
(c) Holding an opponent with one hand and hitting with the other;
(d) Holding or deliberately maintaining a clinch;
(e) Wrestling, kicking or roughing;
(f) Pushing an opponent about the ring or into the ropes;
(g) Butting with the head, shoulder, knee, elbow;
(h) Hitting with the open glove, the butt or inside of the hand, or back of the hand, the elbow or the wrist;
(i) Purposely falling down onto the canvas of the ring without being hit or for the purpose of avoiding a blow;
(j) Striking deliberately at that part of the body over the kidneys;
(k) Using the pivot blow (pivoting while throwing a punch) or the rabbit punch (punches thrown to the back of the head and neck areas);
(l) Jabbing the eyes with the thumb of the glove;
(m) Use of abusive language;
(n) Unsportsmanlike conduct causing injury to an opponent that does not meet the definition of "boxing" in RCW 67.08.002;
(o) Hitting on the break;
(p) Intentionally spitting out the mouthpiece;
(q) Hitting on or out of the ropes;
(r) Holding rope and hitting;
(s) Biting/spitting;
(t) Not following referee's instructions;
(u) Stepping on opponent;
(v) Crouching below opponent's belt;
(w) Leaving neutral corner; and
(x) Corner second shouting.
(9) "Fair blow" is defined as ((an exchange of)) a blow((s)) delivered with the padded knuckle part of the glove to the front or sides of the head and body above the navel.
(10) "Event official" is defined as an official licensed under RCW 67.08.100 as a judge, referee, timekeeper, event physician, ((and/or)) inspector, or other officials deemed necessary, and appointed by the department to provide services at a boxing event.
(11) "Manager" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who contracts with a boxer to receive compensation for service as an agent or representative.
(12) "Second" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who assists a boxer during a contest.
(13) "Matchmaker" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who works for a promoter to propose, select or arrange for boxers to participate in a boxing contest.
(14) "Announcer" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who works for a promoter announcing information to the audience at a boxing event.
(15) "Referee" is defined as an event official and is the chief official supervising a boxing contest.
(16) "Timekeeper" is defined as an event official who keeps the official timing of a contest.
(17) "Judge" is defined as an event official who scores a boxing contest.
(18) "Inspector" is defined as the event official who reports directly to the department and provides overall management of a boxing event.
(19) "Advance notice" is defined as a list of matches for an event submitted by the promoter to the department for approval that includes the names of proposed boxers for a contest, his/her manager or managers and other information that may be required by the department.
(20) "Boxing registry" is defined as the entity certified by the Association of Boxing Commissions for the purposes of maintaining records and identification of boxers and required under the federal "Professional Boxing Safety Act of 1996."
(21) "Contest" is defined as a fight scheduled between boxers appearing at an event.
(22) "Round" is defined as a two- or three-minute time period during which boxers compete in a boxing contest.
(23) "Net gate proceeds" is defined as the total dollar amount received from the face value of all tickets sold with complimentary tickets excluded.
(((24) "Televised" is defined as any simultaneous or delayed visual broadcast of an event delivered through electronic means for viewing.
(25) "Recognized amateur boxing organization" means any amateur boxing organization recognized by the department who has not been exempted by statute and provides written documented proof required by WAC 36-12-500.))
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-020 Guidelines for boxing weight classes, weight difference and glove weight.
The following guidelines shall be used for contests unless the department waives the weight difference allowance in writing.
Weight Class
 
Weight
Difference Allowance
Glove Weight
((Straw weight)) Mini Flyweight
up to and including 105 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
8 oz.
Light Flyweight
over 105 to 108 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
8 oz.
Flyweight
over 108 to 112 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
8 oz.
Super Flyweight
over 112 to 115 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
8 oz.
Bantamweight
over 115 to 118 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
8 oz.
Super Bantamweight
over 118 to 122 pounds
not more than ((5)) 4 lbs.
8 oz.
Featherweight
over 122 to 126 pounds
not more than ((5)) 4 lbs.
8 oz.
Super Featherweight
over 126 to 130 pounds
not more than ((7)) 4 lbs.
8 oz.
Lightweight
over 130 to 135 pounds
not more than ((7)) 5 lbs.
8 oz.
Super Lightweight
over 135 to 140 pounds
not more than ((9)) 5 lbs.
8 oz.
Welterweight
over 140 to 147 pounds
not more than ((9)) 7 lbs.
8 oz.
Super Welterweight
over 147 to 154 pounds
not more than ((11)) 7 lbs.
((8))
10 oz.
Middleweight
over 154 to 160 pounds
not more than ((11)) 7 lbs.
10 oz.
Super Middleweight
over 160 to 168 pounds
not more than ((12)) 7 lbs.
10 oz.
Light Heavyweight
over 168 to 175 pounds
not more than ((12)) 7 lbs.
10 oz.
Cruiser weight
over 175 to ((195)) 200 pounds
not more than ((20)) 12 lbs.
10 oz.
Heavyweight
over ((195)) 200 pounds
no limit
10 oz.
When two boxers in a contest are above and below the weights described above both boxers shall wear the gloves required for the higher weight.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-12-030 Weigh-in.
(1) Boxers shall be weighed within ((twenty-four)) thirty hours but not less than six hours prior to the scheduled event, at a time and place chosen by the promoter and approved by the department. The weigh-in shall take place in the presence of the department and the promoter or the promoter's representative.
(2) The scales used for weigh-in shall be provided by the promoter and approved by the department.
(3) The weight of each boxer shall be recorded on a form provided by the department and signed by the representative of the department.
(4) If a boxer ((weighs-in)) weighs in within ((twenty-four)) thirty hours, but not less than twelve hours prior to an event's scheduled start time, the boxer shall weigh the weight specified on the boxer/promoter contract referred to in WAC 36-12-360(7). If a boxer weighs more than the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract, the boxer may:
(a) Lose the weight exceeded in the boxer/promoter contract ((at least twelve hours prior to the event's scheduled start time;
(b) Lose all but two pounds of the weight exceeded in the boxer/promoter contract at least twelve hours prior to the event's scheduled start time and lose the final two pounds at least two hours prior to the event's scheduled start time)) no later than two hours after the initial weigh-in;
(((c))) (b) Renegotiate the boxer/promoter contract; or
(((d))) (c) Not do (a) ((through (c))) or (b) of this subsection and the contest will be canceled by the department.
(5) If a boxer weighs-in less than twelve hours prior to an event's scheduled start time, the boxer shall weigh the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract referred to in WAC 36-12-360(7). If a boxer weighs more than ((two pounds over)) the weight specified in the boxer/promoter contract, the boxer may:
(a) ((Lose up to two pounds at least two hours prior to an event's scheduled start time;
(b))) Renegotiate the boxer/promoter contract; or
(((c))) (b) Not do (a) ((or (b))) of this subsection and the contest will be canceled by the department.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-040 Ring and equipment.
(1) The promoter shall supply a ring that meets the following standards:
(a) The ring shall be not less than a sixteen-foot square or more than a twenty-four foot square measured within the ropes.
(b) The ring floor shall extend at least twenty-four inches beyond the ring ropes and shall be covered with one inch of padding. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform ((covered by)), with a top covering of canvas, duck, or similar material, tightly stretched and laced securely ((attached)) to the ring platform. ((Canvas)) Material that tends to gather in lumps and ridges may not be used. The top covering must be clean, smooth, free of cracks and splits, and not slippery.
(c) The ring platform shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building, and shall have safe steps.
(d) Ring posts shall be of metal, not more than four inches in diameter, extending to a height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor and placed at least twenty-four inches behind the rope corners.
(e) There shall be four ring ropes not less than one inch in diameter, wrapped in soft material. The ropes shall be manila rope of standard manufacture. No wire or cable shall be used. The lower rope shall be eighteen inches above the ring floor, the second rope thirty inches above the floor, the third rope forty-two inches above the floor, and the fourth rope fifty-four inches above the floor. The lower rope shall have at least one-half inch of padding. Two vertical stays or rope spacers shall be evenly spaced between the rope corners on all four sides of the ring.
(2) The promoter shall provide equipment for use by the seconds and boxers at ringside. Equipment shall consist of, but not be limited to, a corner stool, spit bucket, ice, towels, and any other items necessary for the health and safety of the boxers.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-050 Gloves.
(1) Promoters shall supply gloves that meet the following standards:
(a) Gloves for all main events and title fights shall be new and fit the hands of the contestants.
(b) Gloves shall be whole, clean, sanitary, in good condition, and subject to inspection by the inspector. Gloves found to be unfit or ill-fitting, shall be replaced. Gloves shall not be twisted, manipulated, or altered in any manner.
(c) One set each of eight-ounce and ten-ounce gloves shall be provided to the inspector prior to the start of the first contest for use in case gloves are damaged during a contest.
(2) ((All boxers weighing 154 pounds or less shall wear eight-ounce gloves. All boxers weighing more than 154 pounds shall wear ten-ounce gloves.
(3) When two boxers in a contest are above and below the weights described in subsection (2) of this section, both boxers shall wear the gloves required for the higher weight.
(4))) Gloves must have the distal portion of the thumb attached to the body of the glove so as to minimize the possibility of injury to an opponent's eye.
(((5))) (3) A glove or set of gloves shall only be used once during each boxing event.
(((6))) (4) In each contest, both boxers must wear gloves of the same manufacture unless it is stated in their contract both opponents agree to wear gloves of different manufacture.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-070 Hand-wraps.
(1) Hand-wraps shall be applied in the dressing room. The hand-wraps for each hand shall be applied in the following manner:
(a) Hand-wraps shall be restricted to no more than twenty yards of soft gauze, not more than two inches wide. The gauze shall be held in place by no more than eight feet of adhesive tape no more than one and one-half inches wide.
(b) The adhesive tape shall not cover any part of the knuckles when the hand is clenched to make a fist.
(c) Liquids or other materials shall not be used on the tape or gauze.
(2) The referee, inspector, or department ((designee)) representative shall inspect and sign the hand-wraps.
(3) Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a boxer until the approval of the referee, inspector, or department representative is received.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-12-110 Referee's responsibilities/authority.
(1) The referee's primary responsibility shall be to maintain the safety and welfare of the boxers at all times.
(2) Before starting a contest, the referee shall determine the name of the chief seconds for each boxer. The chief second shall be responsible for the conduct of the boxer's other seconds during the contest.
(3) The referee shall call boxers and their chief seconds into the ring at the beginning of each contest for instructions.
(4) The referee shall not allow any person other than the boxers and the event physician to enter the ring during a round.
(5) The referee shall inspect the boxers' bodies and gloves to make sure ((that)) no substances have been applied to the detriment of an opponent.
(6) Referees who are event officials shall pass a physical examination by the event physician within twenty-four hours prior to an event for the purpose of determining their physical ability to referee the contest. If such examination indicates the referee is physically unable to referee the contest, such inability shall be noted on the ((preflight)) prefight physical form and immediately be reported to the inspector or department representative.
(7) The referee shall have the authority to stop a contest any time he/she thinks it is too one-sided, or if either boxer is in such condition that to continue might subject them to serious injury.
(8) The referee shall not make a disqualification decision based on one unintentional, low-blow foul. However, if two previous warnings for such fouls have resulted in point deductions, the third foul may be grounds for disqualification.
(9) The referee has authority to decide any matters that arise during a contest and are not covered by these rules.
(10) If a boxer receives an injury that the referee thinks shall incapacitate the boxer, the referee shall ask the event physician to examine the boxer. The event physician shall provide the referee with an opinion as to the seriousness of the injury and either the event physician or the referee shall stop the contest if the injury is serious. When a referee calls the event physician into the ring, the referee shall direct the timekeeper to cease keeping time while the event physician examines the boxer.
(11) The referee may penalize a boxer who fouls an opponent during a contest, by charging such boxer with the loss of points. The referee shall immediately notify the judges of the number of points to be deducted.
(12) The referee shall stop the contest if the boxer's chief second determines that a contest should be stopped, and immediately signals the referee by stepping onto the ring apron.
(13) When a boxer resumes boxing after having been knocked down or fallen or slipped to the floor, the referee shall wipe all foreign material from the boxer's gloves.
(14) The referee shall give a boxer injured by a low-blow foul up to five minutes to recover. Should the boxer be unable to continue at the end of the recovery period, the referee shall declare that the boxer has signaled his/her desire to stop boxing as described in WAC 36-12-130 (1)(b)(iv).
(15) Prior to an event, each referee shall disclose to the department all considerations, including reimbursement for expenses that will be received from any source for participation in the event. The disclosure shall be made on a form supplied by the department.
(16) A decision rendered at the termination of any contest may be changed by the department if the department determines that one of the following occurred:
(a) There was collusion affecting the result of any contest;
(b) The compilation of the scorecard of the judges shows an error which would mean that the decision was given to the wrong contestant; or
(c) There was a violation of the laws or rules governing contests, which affected the result of any contest.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-12-130 Outcome of contests.
(1) If a referee stops a contest, he shall render a decision regarding the outcome of the contest as follows:
(a) Win by knockout if:
(i) Boxer has been knocked down by fair blows and cannot arise before completion of the referee's count; or
(ii) Boxer has been knocked down and the referee waves off the count because of urgency to have the event physician examine the boxer.
(b) Win by technical knockout if:
(i) In the referee's judgment, boxer is outclassed or is unable to continue due to punishment received;
(ii) Boxer does not resume boxing by the end of a referee's count (excluding knockouts);
(iii) Corner man signals referee to terminate the bout; or
(iv) Boxer, after putting forth good effort, signals referee his/her desire to stop boxing.
(c) Win by technical decision if ((a contest is stopped after completion of four rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul)):
A bout is stopped after the completion of three rounds in bouts scheduled for four rounds and after four rounds in bouts scheduled for more than four rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately. At least two of the judges must have the same boxer ahead on points.
(d) No decision if:
A bout is stopped before the completion of three rounds in bouts scheduled for four rounds and before four rounds ((of a contest)) in bouts scheduled for more than four rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately; or
(e) Technical draw if:
A bout is stopped after the completion of three rounds in bouts scheduled for four rounds and after four rounds ((of a contest)) in bouts scheduled for more than four rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately and the judges are split (one voting for boxer A, one voting for boxer B, and the third judge with an even score); or
(f) No contest if:
(i) The bout is unable to continue due to events other than boxing (fire, riot, ring collapse, etc.); or
(ii) In the referee's judgment, there appears to be collusion affecting the outcome of the contest.
(g) Disqualification:
(i) If points have been deducted from a boxer's scorecard for three separate incidents as described in WAC 36-12-110(11);
(ii) If a boxer, in the referee's judgment, flagrantly fouls an opponent;
(iii) If a boxer quits after putting forth no effort, thereby fostering a sham on the public;
(iv) Second enters the ring during the progress of the bout; or
(v) Following a contest, a boxer tests positive for controlled substances per WAC 36-12-240.
(2) If a contest ends when the scheduled rounds are completed, the outcome of the contest may be as follows:
(a) Winner by unanimous decision if all three judges agree on the same winner;
(b) Winner by split decision if two judges agree on winner and the third judge votes for the other boxer;
(c) Winner by majority decision if two judges agree on winner and the third judge has the score even between the boxers;
(d) A draw if all three judges have the score even between the boxers or are split (one voting for boxer A, one voting for boxer B, and the third judge with an even score); or
(e) A majority draw if two of the judges agree that the score is even between the boxers.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-12-140 Method of counting over a boxer who is down.
(1) The referee shall give an injured boxer a count of eight when a knockdown occurs. The referee does not have to continue to count if in the referee's opinion a boxer is unable to continue to box. The referee shall resume a count where it was left off if a boxer attempts to rise after being knocked down and goes down again immediately.
(2) When the referee determines a boxer has been knocked down, the referee shall require the boxers to cease boxing during the count. If the boxer rises prior to, or when the count is completed, the referee shall determine whether the boxer's reflexes and condition render it appropriate to continue the contest.
(3) If a boxer does not rise when the count of eight is completed, the referee shall continue the count to ten seconds.
(4) If the boxer being given a count by the referee is down on the canvas of the ring when the referee completes counting to ten seconds, the referee shall wave both arms to indicate that the boxer has been knocked out and shall stop the contest. The referee may raise the hand of the opponent indicating that the opponent has won by a knockout.
(5) The referee's counting of seconds is the official count. However, when a boxer is knocked down, the timekeeper shall assist with starting and maintaining an accurate count by striking the edge of the ring platform once each second with a hammer or other equipment or signaling method.
(6) When a boxer is knocked down, the referee shall direct the opponent to move to the farthest neutral corner of the ring. If the opponent leaves the neutral corner, the referee shall interrupt the count and will not resume the count until the opponent returns to the neutral corner.
(7) If a boxer is knocked down and the referee is still counting when three minutes of a round has elapsed, the bell shall not be sounded until the knocked down boxer rises and the referee indicates that the contest will continue. A boxer cannot be saved by the bell at the end of any round.
(8) If both boxers score simultaneous knockdowns (double knockdown), the referee shall begin a count as in any knockdown. If one contestant does not rise before the count of ten, his opponent shall be declared the winner. If both contestants rise before completion of the count, the bout may continue at the discretion of the referee. If both contestants rise but neither can continue as determined by the referee and/or event physician, the winner will be determined by the scorecards. ((If neither contestant rises before the count of ten, they will both lose by knockout.)) If both boxers remain down until the count of ten, the bout must be stopped and the decision is a technical draw.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-150 When boxer falls from or leaves the ring during a round.
(1) A boxer who has been knocked through the ropes and over the edge of the ring platform shall be subject to a count of twenty. The boxer ((may be helped back into the ring by anyone except his/her seconds or manager)) must return to a standing and ready position unassisted by anyone before the count elapses. If assisted by anyone and the action does not cause an unfair advantage over the opponent, the boxer shall receive a mandatory count of eighteen. If the action causes an unfair advantage over the opponent, the boxer shall lose by disqualification. The referee is the sole authority in deciding if the boxer received assistance and whether or not there was an unfair advantage.
(2) A boxer who leaves the ring due to other than fair blows shall be subject to a count of ten only if he/she refuses to reenter the ring.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-23-062, filed 11/18/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-12-170 Officials compensation fees to be paid by promoter.
(1) The following minimum fees shall be paid by the promoter of the event to the event officials ((for nontitle, nontelevision bouts)):
((Judge
$75.00
Timekeeper
$75.00
Referee (preliminary)
$110.00
Referee (main event)
$125.00
Physician
$250.00
Event chiropractor
$200.00))
Net gate
Referee
(preliminary)
Referee
(main event)
Judge
Timekeeper
Physician
Chiropractor
0 - $30,000
$160
$200
$115
$115
$400
$200
$30,000 - $75,000
$220
$275
$150
$150
$400
$200
$75,000 and above
$400
$475
$200
$200
$400
$200
(2) ((The following minimum fees shall be paid by the promoter of the event to event officials for nontitle, local televised bouts:
Judges
$100.00
Timekeepers
$100.00
Referee (preliminary)
$135.00
Referee (main event)
$200.00
Physician
$250.00
Event chiropractor
$200.00
(3))) In the event of a ((local, state or regional championship, or)) title fight, event officials shall be paid by the promoter at the respective and prevailing scale of the sanctioning organization. The event officials pay rate shall not be lower than the ((televised)) rates established in subsection (((2))) (1) of this section.
(((4) In the event of a championship, title fight, or nationally televised fight, event officials shall be paid by the promoter at the respective and prevailing scale of the sanctioning organization but shall not be lower than the rates established below:
Judges
$150.00
Timekeepers
$150.00
Referee (preliminary)
$175.00
Referee (main event)
$225.00
Physician
$250.00
Event chiropractor
$200.00
(5) In the event of a "world" title bout, event officials shall be paid by the promoter at the respective and prevailing scale of the sanctioning organization but shall not be lower than the rates established in subsection (4) of this section. If the "world" title bout is televised, an additional $200.00 fee per official will be assessed for each judge, timekeeper and referee if the fees listed in subsection (4) of this section are used.
(6))) (3) Travel mileage shall be paid to event officials at the state rate ((listed on schedule A, chapter 10.90.10.b of the State Administrative and Accounting Manual)) as ((published)) established by the office of financial management.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 10-08-037, filed 4/1/10, effective 5/2/10)
WAC 36-12-195 License fees, renewals and requirements.
(1) The license year is one year from date of issue. License fees are paid annually. Fees shall be as follows:
Manager
-
$ 65.00
Referee
-
$ 65.00
Boxer
-
$ 25.00
Matchmaker
-
$ 65.00
Second
-
$ 25.00
Inspector
-
(([))$ 65.00((]))
Judge
-
(([))$ 65.00((]))
Timekeeper
-
(([))$ 65.00((]))
Announcer
-
(([))$ 65.00((]))
Event physician
-
No charge
Event chiropractor
-
$ 65.00
Promoter
-
(([$ 200.00])) $500.00
(2) All renewal fees shall be the same fee as each original license fee.
(3) Licensing requirements:
(a) Completed application on form approved by the department.
(b) Completed physical within one year (boxer and referee only).
(c) Federal identification card (boxer only).
(d) One small current photograph, not more than two years old (boxer only).
(e) Payment of license fee.
(f) Certification from an organization approved by the department under RCW 67.08.100(3) and WAC 36-12-196.
(4) Applicants may not participate until all licensing requirements are received and approved by the department of licensing.
Reviser's note: RCW 34.05.395 requires the use of underlining and deletion marks to indicate amendments to existing rules, and deems ineffectual changes not filed by the agency in this manner. The bracketed material in the above section does not appear to conform to the statutory requirement.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 01-22-029, filed 10/29/01, effective 11/29/01)
WAC 36-12-196 Organizations approved by the department to certify experience, skill and training of officials.
(1) Any organization wishing to be approved by or maintain their approval by the department to certify adequate experience, skill and training of officials, pursuant to RCW 67.08.100(3), shall submit the following information to the department annually:
(((1))) (a) Description of training courses required;
(((2))) (b) List of all persons seeking licensing from Washington state who have received training given by the organization within the past year;
(((3))) (c) Dates training was given; and
(((4))) (d) Assessment of the skill and experience of the person.
(2) Training seminars for boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts will be offered at least annually by the department. The training curriculum will provide training for the following types of licenses:
(a) Inspector;
(b) Judge;
(c) Referee;
(d) Timekeeper; or
(e) Other officials deemed necessary by the department.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-12-240 To prevent injury to contestants—Physical qualifications and exams.
(1) A boxer applying for a license to box in this state shall meet the following standards:
(a) Be certified by a physician as described in RCW 67.08.002(11) to be physically fit to safely compete in professional boxing. The examination shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) Eyesight;
(ii) Blood pressure;
(iii) Communicable blood diseases including, but not limited to, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C; and
(iv) Other physical factors the department determines are necessary to show a boxer is physically fit to safely compete in professional boxing.
(b) In addition to the requirements of (a) of this subsection, if a boxer is over thirty-six years old, or has lost six consecutive fights, the physical certification in (a) of this subsection must include proof of:
(i) A complete physical exam which includes ((an electroencephalogram (EEG))) a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and an electrocardiogram (EKG); and
(ii) Any other specialized medical testing that may be determined necessary by the department.
(2) The event physician shall examine boxers and referees within twenty-four hours prior to and immediately following an event ((to determine that they meet the standards in subsection (1)(a) of this section with the exception of the requirements of RCW 67.08.090(5) unless the department notifies the event physician that drug testing is required following an event)) as described under WAC 36-12-310.
(3) A boxer who tests positive for a drug prohibited by the World Anti-doping Agency on a drug test required by RCW 67.08.090(5) ((or in subsection (2) of this section shall)) may not be allowed to box in ((any)) events.
(4) When a contestant has been knocked out, none of the handlers are to touch the contestant((, except to remove the mouthpiece)) until the attending physician enters the ring and personally attends the fallen contestant, and issues such instructions as deemed necessary to the contestant's handlers.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-270 Matchmakers.
(1) A matchmaker shall request approval from the department for each boxing contest for boxing events.
(2) The department may approve the contest if the following information about each boxer is similar and the department does not have ((undo)) undue concern for the safety and welfare of either boxer proposed for a contest:
(a) Boxing record;
(b) Boxing experience;
(c) Boxing skill; and
(d) Physical condition.
(3) The department shall notify the matchmaker and promoter when a boxing contest is approved by giving preliminary approval to the matchmaker and by approving the advance notice submitted by the promoter.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-280 Timekeeper.
(1) The timekeeper supplies the bell and timing equipment.
(2) The bell shall be placed at the ring no higher than the level of the ring platform and be of a clear tone so that the contestants and officials may easily hear it.
(3) Equipment shall include, but is not limited to, ((an)) two accurate ((stopwatch)) stopwatches, whistle, hammer, and bell.
(4) The timekeeper shall be seated at ringside with the bell and shall indicate the beginning and ending of each round by striking the bell with a hammer.
(5) Ten seconds before the beginning of each round the timekeeper shall blow the whistle as a warning for everyone but the referee and boxers to leave the ring.
(6) ((Five)) Ten seconds before the end of each round the timekeeper shall notify the referee that the round is ending by striking a hard surface with a hammer or other similar object.
(7) When a contest terminates before the scheduled rounds are completed, the timekeeper shall inform the inspector of the exact duration of the contest.
(8) The timekeeper shall assist the referee during the knockdown count of a boxer.
(9) The timekeeper shall stop time on the referee's command of "time-out" and shall restart on the referee's command of "time-in" or "box."
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-285 Procedure in the event that a referee is incapacitated.
(1) Timekeeper shall ring the bell and stop time.
(2) ((Boxers)) The inspector or department representative shall ((be commanded)) command the boxers to stop boxing and ((directed)) direct the boxers to opposite neutral corners.
(3) Physicians shall attend to the referee.
(4) If the referee cannot continue, an alternate referee shall be assigned by the inspector or department representative.
(5) Boxing and time shall resume at the referee's command of "time-in" or "box."
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-300 Judges.
(1) Judges shall be provided scorecards by the inspector. Judges shall score each round of the contest using the scorecard, sign it at the conclusion of the ((contest)) round and turn it ((into)) in to the referee or designated official. The referee or designated official shall turn the scorecards in to the inspector who verifies the addition on the scorecards and gives the outcome of the contest to the announcer who announces the outcome to the audience.
(2) Judges shall score all contests using the "ten-point-must system." If a judge determines that both of the boxers are even in a round, each boxer receives ten points for the round. No fraction of points shall be given to a boxer for a round.
(3) If the outcome of an incomplete contest is determined by using the scorecards of the judges, all rounds including partially completed rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round at the discretion of the judges.
(4) Judges shall only deduct points from a boxer's score when instructed by the referee. If the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the inspector calculates the final score.
(5) Prior to an event, each judge shall disclose to the department all considerations, including reimbursement for expenses, which will be received from any source for participation at an event. Disclosure shall be made on a form supplied by the department.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-310 Event physician.
(1) The event physician shall examine the boxers and referees as required by RCW 67.08.090 and provide a report to the inspector or department representative in writing that discloses the results of the examinations and recommendations.
(2) Medical equipment to be utilized by an event physician for the preflight and post fight examinations of boxers and referees shall consist of, but not be limited to, a blood pressure cuff, stereoscope, ophthalmologic, penlight, reflex hammer, stethoscope, thermometer, and tongue depressor.
(3) If the event physician determines that a boxer or referee should not participate in an event due to a condition found during the preflight examination, the event physician shall recommend to the department that the boxer or referee not participate in the event.
(4) An event physician shall be at ringside during all the contests in an event and shall be prepared to provide medical assistance to a boxer if requested by the referee.
(5) The promoter shall provide the event physician with a suitable place to perform the preflight and post fight physical examinations.
(6) The event physician shall perform a post fight physical on each boxer immediately following an event and may recommend temporary suspension of the boxer's license due to injury incurred during a contest.
(7) The event physician may inspect first-aid equipment used by seconds.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-03-069, filed 1/11/02, effective 2/11/02)
WAC 36-12-320 Suspensions.
(1) A boxer whose manager has been suspended under chapter 67.08 RCW may continue boxing during the term of such suspension, signing his/her own boxer/promoter contract.
(2) Boxers scheduled for a contest shall sign a letter of agreement with the department accepting temporary suspension of their license if they receive an injury during the contest. The schedule for suspensions is:
(a) Thirty days for a technical knockout;
(b) Sixty days for a knockout;
(c) A period of time different than (a) and (b) of this subsection if serious injury or condition is detected by the event physician during the post fight physical; and
(d) A period of time or an indefinite period of time if serious injury or condition is detected by the event physician. If the suspension is for an indefinite period of time, the boxer may not box again without an examination completed by a physician who has provided written certification to the department that the medical condition no longer exists.
(3) If at any time a boxer's ability to perform is questionable, whether for reasons of health, mental condition, or no longer possessing the ability to compete or for any other reason, the department may recommend that the boxer be retired from further competition.
(4) Boxers who have been recommended for retirement have a right to a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW, the Administrative Procedure Act.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 11-03-028, filed 1/11/11, effective 2/11/11)
WAC 36-12-360 Promoters.
(1) Promoters shall not release the names of boxing contestants in an event to the media or otherwise publicize a contest unless a boxer/promoter contract has been signed and the contest approved by the department.
(2) Promoters shall not schedule an event intermission that exceeds twenty minutes.
(3) Promoters shall dispense drinks only in plastic or paper ((cups)) containers.
(4) ((Promoters shall not schedule less than twenty-six rounds of boxing without approval of the department.
(5))) Advance notices for all boxing shows must be in the office of the department seven days prior to the holding of any boxing show. In addition to the regular scheduled boxers the advance notice must show the names of boxers engaged by the promoter for an emergency bout.
(((6))) (5) Changes in announced or advertised programs for any contest must be approved prior to the contest by the department. Notice of such change or substitution must also be given to the press, conspicuously posted at the box office, and announced from the ring before the opening contest. If any ticket holders desire a refund, such refund shall be made at the box office prior to the start of the first contest.
(((7))) (6) The promoter of an event shall contract with each boxer for a contest. Original contracts shall be filed with the department at least five days prior to the event. The contract shall be on a form supplied by the department and contain at least the following:
(a) The weight of the boxer at weigh-in;
(b) The amount of the purse to be paid for the contest;
(c) The date and location of the contest;
(d) Any other payment or consideration provided to the boxer;
(e) List of all fees, charges and expenses including training expenses that will be assessed to the boxer or deducted from the boxer's purse;
(f) Any reduction in a boxer's purse contrary to a previous agreement between the promoter and the boxer; and
(g) The amount of any compensation or consideration that a promoter has contracted to receive from a match.
(((8))) (7) If a boxer/promoter contract is renegotiated, the promoter shall provide the department with the contract at least two hours prior to an event's scheduled start time.
(((9))) (8) If the information from the contract in subsection (((7))) (6)(e), (f), and (g) of this section is discloseable under Washington state public disclosure law, the promoter may instead provide the information to the Association of Boxing Commissions instead of including the information in the boxer/promoter contract.
(((10))) (9) A promoter for an event shall not be a manager for a boxer who is contracted for ten rounds or more of boxing at that event or have direct or indirect financial interest in a boxer in the event.
(((11))) (10) The promoter of an event shall provide payments for the boxers' purses and event official's fee in the form of checks or money orders to the department prior to an event. The department may allow other forms of payment if arranged in advance. The department shall pay the boxers and officials immediately after the event, but not later than seventy-two hours from the conclusion of the event.
(((12))) (11) Promoters shall provide seats for event officials and department representatives at ringside for each event.
(((13))) (12) Promoters shall provide an ambulance or paramedical unit with transport and resuscitation capabilities, with a minimum of two attendants, to be present at the event location at all times during the event.
REPEALER
The following section of the Washington Administrative Code is repealed:
WAC 36-12-500
Amateur organization recognition.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 12-24-045, filed 11/30/12, effective 1/1/13)
WAC 36-14-010 Definitions.
The following definition(s) will be used throughout this WAC:
(("Mixed martial arts" in addition to RCW 67.08.002(20), mixed martial arts does not include muay thai and kickboxing.
(2))) "Advance notice" is defined as a list of matches for an event submitted by the promoter to the department for approval that includes the names of proposed participants for a contest, his/her manager or managers and other information that may be required by the department.
"Announcer" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who works for a promoter announcing information to the audience at an event.
"Contest" is defined as a fight scheduled between participants appearing at an event.
"Event official" is defined as an official licensed under RCW 67.08.100 as a judge, referee, timekeeper, event physician, inspector, or other officials deemed necessary, and appointed by the department to provide services at an event.
"Inspector" is defined as the event official who reports directly to the department and provides overall management of an event.
"Judge" is defined as an event official who scores a contest.
"Manager" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who contracts with a participant to receive compensation for service as an agent or representative.
"Matchmaker" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who works for a promoter to propose, select or arrange for participants to participate in an event.
"Mixed martial arts" in addition to RCW 67.08.002(20), mixed martial arts does not include muay thai and kickboxing.
"Net gate proceeds" is defined as the total dollar amount received from the face value of all tickets sold with complementary tickets excluded.
"Neutral corner" is defined as one of the corners that are not assigned to a martial arts participant for a contest.
"Outcome of a contest" occurs when the contest has concluded, a determination has been made described in WAC 36-14-355, and the report to the martial arts registry has been submitted.
"Purse" is defined as the sum of money or other compensation by way of guarantee, percentage or otherwise, paid to a participant.
"Referee" is defined as an event official and is the chief official supervising a contest.
"Round" is defined as a three- or five-minute time period during which participants compete in a contest.
"Scorecard" is defined as the document used by judges to score a contest.
"Second" is defined as a person licensed under RCW 67.08.100 who assists a participant during a contest.
"Ten-point-must system" of scoring is defined as the scoring system used by judges giving ten points to the participant winning a round and a lesser number of points to the participant losing a round.
"Timekeeper" is defined as an event official who keeps the official timing of a contest.
"Training facility" is a location licensed and defined under chapter 67.08 RCW to hold amateur mixed martial arts exhibitions in that location.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-020 Fouls.
The following are fouls and will result in penalties if committed:
(1) Holding or grabbing the fence;
(2) Holding opponent's shorts or gloves;
(3) Butting with the head;
(4) Eye gouging of any kind;
(5) Biting or spitting at an opponent;
(6) Hair pulling;
(7) Fish hooking;
(8) Groin attacks of any kind;
(9) Intentionally placing a finger into any orifice, or into any cut or laceration of your opponent;
(10) Downward pointing of elbow strikes;
(11) Small joint manipulation;
(12) Strikes to the spine or the back of the head;
(13) Heel kicks to the kidney;
(14) Throat strikes of any kind including, without limitation, grabbing the trachea;
(15) Clawing, pinching, twisting the flesh or grabbing the clavicle;
(16) Kicking the head of a grounded opponent;
(17) Kneeing the head of a grounded opponent;
(18) Stomping of a grounded opponent;
(19) The use of abusive language in the fighting area;
(20) Any unsportsmanlike conduct that causes an injury to an opponent;
(21) Attacking an opponent on or during the break;
(22) Attacking an opponent who is under the care of the referee;
(23) Timidity (avoiding contact, or consistently dropping the mouthpiece, or faking an injury);
(24) Interference from mixed martial artists seconds;
(25) Throwing an opponent out of the ring or caged area;
(26) Flagrant disregard of the referee's instructions;
(27) Spiking the opponent to the canvas onto the head or neck (pile driving); and
(28) Attacking an opponent after the bell has sounded the end of the period of unarmed combat.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-14-105 Guidelines for ((kickboxing and Muay Thai)) martial arts weight classes(()) and weight difference ((and glove weight)) allowance.
The following guidelines shall be used for contests unless the department waives the weight difference allowance in writing. ((Glove weight shall be ten ounces for all weight classes.
Weight Class
 
Weight Difference Allowance
Flyweight
112 pounds to no minimum
not more than 3 lbs.
Super Flyweight
112.1 to 115 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
Bantamweight
115.1 to 118 pounds
not more than 3 lbs.
Super Bantamweight
118.1 to 122 pounds
not more than 5 lbs.
Featherweight
122.1 to 126 pounds
not more than 5 lbs.
Super Featherweight
126.1 to 130 pounds
not more than 7 lbs.
Lightweight
130.1 to 135 pounds
not more than 7 lbs.
Super Lightweight
135.1 to 140 pounds
not more than 9 lbs.
Welterweight
140.1 to 147 pounds
not more than 9 lbs.
Super Welterweight
147.1 to 154 pounds
not more than 11 lbs.
Middleweight
154.1 to 160 pounds
not more than 11 lbs.
Super Middleweight
160.1 to 167 pounds
not more than 12 lbs.
Light Heavyweight
167.1 to 175 pounds
not more than 12 lbs.
Super Light Heavyweight
175.1 to 183 pounds
not more than 20 lbs.
Cruiserweight
183.1 to 190 pounds
not more than 20 lbs.
Heavyweight
190.1 to 220 pounds
no limit
Super Heavyweight
over 220.1 pounds
no limit))
Weight Class
 
Weight Difference Allowance
Flyweight
up to and including 125 pounds
not more than 5 lbs.
Bantamweight
over 125 to 135 pounds
not more than 10 lbs.
Featherweight
over 135 to 145 pounds
not more than 10 lbs.
Lightweight
over 145 to 155 pounds
not more than 10 lbs.
Welterweight
over 155 to 170 pounds
not more than 15 lbs.
Middleweight
over 170 to 185 pounds
not more than 15 lbs.
Light Heavyweight
over 185 to 205 pounds
not more than 20 lbs.
Heavyweight
over 205 to 265 pounds
not more than 60 lbs.
Super Heavyweight
over 265 pounds
no limit
A one pound allowance for nontitle bouts is acceptable but only if provided for in the written bout contract.
The department may approve catch weight bouts, subject to their review and discretion. For example, the department may still decide to allow the contest if it feels that the contest would still be fair, safe and competitive if a set catch weight is set in advance at 163 pounds, for example.
In addition, if one athlete weighs in at 264 pounds while the opponent weighs in at 267 pounds, the department may still decide to allow the contest if it feels that the contest would still be fair and competitive. This would be despite the fact that the two athletes weighed in at differing weight classes.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 02-20-094, filed 10/1/02, effective 1/1/03)
WAC 36-14-106 ((Weighing time.)) Weigh-in.
(1) Participants shall be weighed within ((twenty-four)) thirty hours but not less than six hours prior to the scheduled event, at a time and place chosen by the promoter and approved by the department. The weigh-in shall take place in the presence of the department and the promoter or the promoter's representative.
(2) The scales used for weigh-in shall be provided by the promoter and approved by the department.
(3) The weight of each participant shall be recorded on a form provided by the department and signed by the representative of the department.
(4) If a participant ((weighs-in)) weighs in within ((twenty-four)) thirty hours, but not less than twelve hours prior to an event's scheduled start time, the participant shall weigh the weight specified on the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract referred to in WAC ((36-12-360(7))) 36-14-365. If a participant weighs more than the weight specified in the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract, the participant may:
(a) Lose the weight exceeded in the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract ((at least twelve hours prior to the event's scheduled start time)) no later than two hours after the initial weigh-in;
(b) ((Lose all but two pounds of the weight exceeded in the boxer/promoter contract at least twelve hours prior to the event's scheduled start time and lose the final two pounds at least two hours prior to the event's scheduled start time;
(c))) Renegotiate the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract; or
(((d))) (c) Not do (a) ((through (c))) or (b) of this subsection and the contest will be canceled by the department.
(5) If a participant ((weighs-in)) weighs in less than twelve hours prior to an event's scheduled start time, the participant shall weigh the weight specified in the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract referred to in WAC ((36-12-360)) 36-14-365(7). If a participant weighs more than ((two pounds over)) the weight specified in the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract, the participant may:
(a) ((Lose up to two pounds at least two hours prior to an event's scheduled start time;
(b))) Renegotiate the ((boxer)) participant/promoter contract; or
(((c))) (b) Not do (a) ((or (b))) of this subsection and the contest will be canceled by the department.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1060 Participants.
(1) Participants shall be present in the dressing room at the time designated by the department or at least one hour before the scheduled time of the first contest.
(2) Participants shall compete in mixed martial arts shorts, biking shorts, or kick-boxing shorts, groin protector (males only), sports bra (females only), chest protector is optional (females only), and a custom-made individually fitted mouthpiece. Shoes, gis, shirts, and jewelry or piercing accessories are prohibited during competition.
(3) All female participants must provide a negative pregnancy test within seven days prior to each contest.
(4) Participants shall not use substances on their body or gloves that might handicap an opponent.
(5) If a participant cannot compete in an event for which the participant has a contract with a promoter due to a physical disability, the participant shall be examined by a physician as defined in RCW 67.08.002(11) prior to the scheduled event. The participant shall report the disability to the department prior to the scheduled contest.
(6) After a participant competes in an event, the participant shall not compete again until seven days have passed.
(7) The department may limit the persons allowed in the dressing room of a participant.
(8) Licensees shall not verbally abuse or have physical contact with any event official.
(9) Copies of the annual physical examination required in RCW 67.08.100(2) shall be provided to the department. The examination shall certify that a participant is physically fit to safely compete in a martial arts contest.
(10) Any professional participant engaging in amateur events shall be subject to disciplinary action by the department.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1061 To prevent injury to contestants—Physical qualifications and exams.
(1) A participant applying for a license to compete in this state shall meet the following standards:
(a) Be certified by a physician as described in RCW 67.08.002(11) to be physically fit to safely compete in professional martial arts. The examination shall include, but not be limited to:
(i) Eyesight;
(ii) Blood pressure;
(iii) Communicable blood diseases including, but not limited to, HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C; and
(iv) Other physical factors the department determines are necessary to show a participant is physically fit to safely compete in professional martial arts.
(b) In addition to the requirements of (a) of this subsection, if a participant is over thirty-six years old, or has lost six consecutive fights, the physical certification in (a) of this subsection must include proof of:
(i) A complete physical exam which includes a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and an electrocardiogram (EKG); and
(ii) Any other specialized medical testing that may be determined necessary by the department.
(2) The event physician shall examine participants and referees within twenty-four hours prior to and immediately following an event as described under WAC 36-14-340.
(3) A participant who tests positive for a drug prohibited by the World Anti-doping Agency on a drug test required by RCW 67.08.090(5) may not be allowed to compete in events.
(4) When a participant has been knocked out, none of the handlers are to touch the participant until the attending physician enters the ring and personally attends the fallen participant and issues such instructions as deemed necessary to the participant's handlers.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1062 Managers.
(1) Participants are not required to have a manager.
(2) Managers may serve as seconds for their contracted participants without holding a second's license.
(3) When a participant has a manager, there shall be a contract for services as an agent or representative. Contracts need not be filed with the department, but shall be provided upon request.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1063 Seconds.
(1) During a contest a second may:
(a) Coach at ringside or in the ring or cage during the break between rounds;
(b) Stop bleeding from cuts;
(c) Reduce swelling;
(d) Provide water or other cooling-down techniques.
(2) No more than four seconds can assist each participant during a contest.
(3) Seconds shall remain seated during rounds and shall not excessively coach a participant during rounds.
(4) Before a contest begins, a chief second for each participant shall be identified for the inspector and the referee.
(5) Seconds shall not enter a ring or cage until the sounding device indicates the end of a round. Seconds shall leave the ring or cage at the sound of the timekeeper's sounding device that is given ten seconds before a round begins. Seconds shall remove all items in the ring or cage and on the ring platform prior to the sound indicating the beginning of a round.
(6) The chief second shall signal the referee to stop the fight by mounting the ring or cage platform or stairs during a round.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1064 Matchmakers.
(1) A matchmaker shall request approval from the department for each contest for martial arts events.
(2) The department may approve the contest if the following information about each participant is similar and the department does not have undue concern for the safety and welfare of either participants proposed for a contest:
(a) Participants record;
(b) Participants experience;
(c) Participants skill; and
(d) Physical condition.
(3) The department shall notify the matchmaker and promoter when a contest is approved by giving preliminary approval to the matchmaker and by approving the advance notice submitted by the promoter.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1065 Timekeeper.
(1) The timekeeper supplies the sounding devices and timing equipment.
(2) The sounding device shall be placed at the ring no higher than the level of the ring or cage platform and be of a clear tone so that the contestants and officials may easily hear it.
(3) Equipment shall include, but is not limited to, two accurate stopwatches, whistle, hammer or clapper, and bell or horn.
(4) The timekeeper shall be seated at ringside or cageside with the sounding devices and shall indicate the beginning and ending of each round by sounding the device.
(5) Ten seconds before the beginning of each round the timekeeper shall blow the whistle as a warning for everyone but the referee and participant to leave the ring.
(6) Ten seconds before the end of each round the timekeeper shall notify the referee that the round is ending by striking a hard surface with a hammer or other similar object.
(7) When a contest terminates before the scheduled rounds are completed, the timekeeper shall inform the inspector of the exact duration of the contest.
(8) The timekeeper shall stop time on the referee's command of "time-out" and shall restart on the referee's command of "time-in" or "fight."
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1066 Announcer.
(1) At the beginning of a contest, when the participants and their chief seconds are in the ring, the announcer shall announce to the audience the names of the participants, their weight, and other pertinent information.
(2) At the conclusion of a contest, the announcer shall announce the outcome of the contest.
(3) Prior to the first contest, the announcer shall announce any substitutions of participants or changes in an event schedule.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-1067 Procedure in the event that a referee is incapacitated.
(1) Timekeeper shall sound the device and stop time.
(2) The inspector or department representative shall command the participants to stop and direct the participants to opposite neutral corners.
(3) Physicians shall attend to the referee.
(4) If the referee cannot continue, an alternate referee shall be assigned by the inspector or department representative.
(5) The contest and time shall resume at the referee's command.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-109 Organizations approved by the department to certify experience, skill and training of officials.
(1) Any organization wishing to be approved by or maintain their approval by the department to certify adequate experience, skill and training of officials, pursuant to RCW 67.08.100(3), shall submit the following information to the department annually:
(a) Description of training courses required;
(b) List of all persons seeking licensing from Washington state who have received training given by the organization within the past year;
(c) Dates training was given; and
(d) Assessment of the skill and experience of the person.
(2) Training seminars for boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts will be offered at least annually by the department. The training curriculum will provide training for the following types of licenses:
(a) Inspector;
(b) Judge;
(c) Referee;
(d) Timekeeper; or
(e) Other officials deemed necessary by the department.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 12-24-045, filed 11/30/12, effective 1/1/13)
WAC 36-14-120 Officials compensation fees to be paid by promoter.
(1) The following minimum fees shall be paid by the promoter of the event to the event officials ((for nontitle, nontelevision bouts)):
((Judge
$75.00
Timekeeper
$75.00
Referee (preliminary)
$110.00
Referee (main event)
$125.00
Physician
$250.00
Event chiropractor
$200.00))
Net gate
Referee
(preliminary)
Referee
(main event)
Judge
Timekeeper
Physician
Chiropractor
0 - $30,000
$160
$200
$115
$115
$400
$200
$30,000 - $75,000
$220
$275
$150
$150
$400
$200
$75,000 and above
$400
$475
$200
$200
$400
$200
(2) ((The following minimum fees shall be paid by the promoter of the event to event officials for nontitle, televised bouts:
Judges
$100.00
Timekeepers
$100.00
Referee (preliminary)
$135.00
Referee (main event)
$200.00
Physician
$250.00
Event chiropractor
$200.00
(3))) In the event of a ((local, state or regional championship,)) title fight, ((or local televised fight,)) event officials shall be paid by the promoter at the respective and prevailing scale of the professional sanctioning organization. The event officials pay rate shall not be lower than the ((televised)) rates established in subsection (((2))) (1) of this section.
(((4) In the event of a championship, title fight, or nationally televised fight, event officials shall be paid by the promoter at the respective and prevailing scale of the professional sanctioning organization but shall not be lower than the rates established below:
Judges
$150.00
Timekeepers
$150.00
Referee (preliminary)
$175.00
Referee (main event)
$225.00
Physician
$250.00
Event chiropractor
$200.00
(5) In the event of a "world" title bout, event officials shall be paid by the promoter at the respective and prevailing scale of the professional sanctioning organization but shall not be lower than the rates established in subsection (4) of this section. If the "world" title bout is televised, an additional $200.00 fee per official will be assessed for each judge, timekeeper and referee if the fees listed in subsection (4) of this section are used.
(6))) (3) Travel mileage shall be paid to event officials at the state rate ((listed on schedule A, chapter 10.90.10.b of the State Administrative and Accounting Manual as published)) as established by the office of financial management.
(((7))) (4) Amateur mixed martial arts sanctioning organizations and training facilities may set their own compensation fees for officials.
AMENDATORY SECTION (Amending WSR 12-24-045, filed 11/30/12, effective 1/1/13)
WAC 36-14-300 Requirements for ring ((or enclosed area)), cage, and equipment.
(1) Mixed martial arts and martial arts contests and exhibitions shall be held in a ring or ((in an enclosed area)) cage.
(2) A ring used for a contest or exhibition of ((mixed)) martial arts must meet the following requirements:
(a) The ring must be no smaller than ((sixteen)) twenty feet square and no larger than thirty-two feet square within the ropes((.));
(b) One of the corners must have a blue designation and the corner directly across must have a red designation;
(c) The ring floor must extend at least ((twenty-four)) eighteen inches beyond the ropes. The ring floor must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding. Padding must extend beyond the ring ropes and over the edge of the platform, with a top covering of canvas, duck, or similar material, tightly stretched and laced securely to the ring platform. Material that tends to gather in lumps and ridges may not be used. The top covering must be clean, smooth, free of cracks and splits, and not slippery;
(((c))) (d) The ring platform ((must)) shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and ((must have suitable steps for the use of the participants.)) shall have safe steps;
(((d))) (e) Ring posts must be made of metal, not more than ((three)) four inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of fifty-eight inches above the ring floor, and must be properly padded in a manner approved by the department. Ring posts must be at least twenty-four inches away from the ring ropes((.));
(((e))) (f) There may be ((no more than)) five ring ropes, not less than one inch in diameter and wrapped in soft material. The lowest ring rope must be ((at least)) no higher than twelve inches above the ring floor((.));
(((f))) (g) There must not be any obstruction or object on any part of the ring floor.
(3) ((An enclosed area)) A cage used in a contest or exhibition of ((mixed)) martial arts must meet the following requirements:
(a) ((The enclosed area must be circular or have at least four equal sides and must be no smaller than twenty feet wide.
(b) The floor of the enclosed area must be padded with ensolite or another similar closed-cell foam, with at least a one-inch layer of foam padding, with a top covering of canvas, duck or similar material tightly stretched and laced to the platform of the enclosed area.
(c) The platform of the enclosed area must not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and must have suitable steps for the use of the participants.
(d) Enclosure posts must be made of metal, not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to between five and seven feet above the floor of the enclosed area, and must be properly padded in a manner approved by the department.
(e) The material used to construct the enclosed area must be made of a material that will prevent an unarmed combatant from falling out of the enclosed area or breaking through the enclosed area onto the floor of the building or onto the spectators, including, without limitation, chain link fence coated with vinyl.
(f) Any metal material used in the enclosed area must be covered and padded in a manner approved by the department and must not be abrasive to the participants.
(g) The enclosed area must have at least three entrances.)) The fighting area canvas shall be no smaller than eighteen feet by eighteen feet and no larger than thirty-two feet by thirty-two feet. The fighting area canvas shall be padded in a manner as approved by the department, with at least one inch layer of foam padding.
(b) Padding shall extend beyond the fighting area and over the edge of the platform. No vinyl or other plastic rubberized covering shall be permitted.
(c) The fighting area canvas shall not be more than four feet above the floor of the building and shall have suitable steps or ramp for use by the participants.
(d) The fighting area canvas shall be enclosed by a fence made of such material as will not allow a participant to fall out or break through it onto the floor or spectators including, but not limited to, vinyl coated chain link fencing.
(e) All metal parts shall be covered and padded in a manner approved by the department and shall not be abrasive to the contestants.
(f) The fence shall provide two separate entries onto the fighting area canvas.
(g) Posts shall be made of metal not more than six inches in diameter, extending from the floor of the building to a minimum height of fifty-eight inches above the fighting area canvas and shall be properly padded in a manner approved by the department.
(h) There must not be any obstruction on any part of the enclosure surrounding the area in which the participants are to be competing.
(4) The promoter shall provide equipment for use by the seconds and participants at cage or ringside. Equipment shall consist of, but not be limited to, a corner stool, spit bucket, ice, towels, and any other items necessary for the health and safety of the participants.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-305 Gloves.
(1) All contestants shall wear gloves which are at least four ounces and are approved by the department. Generally, gloves should not weigh more than six ounces without the approval of the department. Certain larger sized gloves, e.g., 2 XL - 4 XL, may be allowed even though they may slightly exceed six ounces.
(2) Promoters shall supply gloves that meet the following standards:
(a) Gloves for all main events and title fights shall be new and fit the hands of the contestants.
(b) Gloves shall be whole, clean, sanitary, in good condition, and subject to inspection by the inspector. Gloves found to be unfit or ill-fitting shall be replaced. Gloves shall not be twisted, manipulated, or altered in any manner.
(c) One set of gloves in each size being used during an event shall be provided to the inspector prior to the start of the first contest for use in case gloves are damaged during a contest.
(3) A glove or set of gloves shall only be used once during each event.
(4) In each contest, both participants must wear gloves of the same manufacture unless it is stated in their contract both opponents agree to wear gloves of different manufacture.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-310 Hand-wraps.
(1) All participants shall be required to gauze and tape their hands prior to all contests. In all weight classes, the bandages on each contestant's hand shall be restricted to soft gauze cloth not more than fifteen yards in length and two inches in width, held in place by not more than ten feet of surgeon's tape, one inch in width, for each hand. Surgeon's adhesive tape shall be placed directly on each hand for protection near the wrist. However, as opposed to boxing wraps, the tape may cross the back of the hand twice and extend to cover and protect the knuckles, but not over the knuckles, when the hand is clenched to make a fist. The bandages shall be evenly distributed across the hand. Bandages and tape shall be placed on the contestant's hands in the dressing room in the presence of the referee, inspector, or department representative and, if warranted, in the presence of the manager or chief second of his/her opponent.
(2) Under no circumstances are gloves to be placed on the hands of a participant until the approval of the referee, inspector, or department representative is received.
(3) Substances other than tape and gauze shall not be utilized. For example, prewraps shall not be used.
(4) Liquids or other materials shall not be used on the tape or gauze.
(5) The referee, inspector, or department representative shall inspect and sign the hand-wraps.
(6) The referee, inspector, or department representative shall inspect and sign off on the gloves after wraps.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-315 Officials.
(1) The department shall appoint at least two referees, a timekeeper, two event physicians, three judges, and an inspector for each event. Additional event officials may be appointed by the department.
(2) In order to ensure the health and safety of the contestants and officials, licensed event officials not appointed to work at an event shall be admitted to an event without charge by the promoter. These officials shall report to the department immediately upon arriving at the event for appointment as back-up to appointed event officials or for other duties.
(3) Event officials shall dress in appropriate attire.
(a) Judges and inspectors should dress in casual business attire (sport coat and dress slacks) to assure a professional appearance. At a minimum, the recommended attire will be dress sport shirt and slacks.
(b) The uniform for referees should consist of:
(i) Black or dark blue trousers;
(ii) Black shoes (boxing shoes or approved soft-soled shoes); and
(iii) Black polo shirt.
(c) Timekeepers should dress in a black and white striped shirt and dress slacks.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-320 Duties of department inspector.
(1) The inspector appointed by the department for each event reports directly to the department, and may be a department representative. The inspector shall be responsible for at least the following:
(a) Completion of the event report;
(b) Details of the contest that are not under the jurisdiction of other event officials;
(c) Determining that necessary equipment is provided by the promoter to the participants, event officials and department officials;
(d) Instructing the seconds in their duties;
(e) Delivering the event physician's prefight and postfight physical reports to the department;
(f) Delivering the statement of weights to the department;
(g) Working with all officials and licensees to assure that all regulations pertaining to the proper conduct of the contest are enforced; and
(h) Inspection of the ring and facilities.
(2) The inspector shall be paid a fee by the promoter, which is two percent of the net gate proceeds of the contest. The fee shall not be less than fifty dollars nor more than one hundred fifty dollars for a closed circuit contest and not less than one hundred dollars nor more than five hundred dollars for all other contests.
(3) Event report forms shall be supplied to the inspector by the department for each event.
(4) The event report shall be completed by the inspector for each event and signed by the event officials.
(5) The inspector report shall contain at least the following information:
(a) Recommendations from event physicians regarding suspensions;
(b) Information regarding possible violations of the law or rules;
(c) Circumstances under which a contest is stopped;
(d) Reason for awarding a decision;
(e) Ending time of match;
(f) Reason for deducting points;
(g) Recommendations for holding the purse or portion of the purse of a participant;
(h) Name of participants;
(i) Number of rounds; and
(j) Weigh-in weight of participants.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-325 Judges.
(1) Judges shall be provided scorecards by the inspector. Judges shall score each round of the contest using the scorecard, sign it at the conclusion of the round and turn it in to the referee or designated official. The referee or designated official shall turn the scorecards in to the inspector who verifies the addition on the scorecards and gives the outcome of the contest to the announcer who announces the outcome to the audience.
(2) Judges shall score all contests using the "ten-point-must system." If a judge determines that both of the participants are even in a round, each participant receives ten points for the round. No fraction of points shall be given to a participant for a round.
(3) If the outcome of an incomplete contest is determined by using the scorecards of the judges, all rounds including partially completed rounds will be scored. If no action has occurred, the round should be scored as an even round at the discretion of the judges.
(4) Judges shall only deduct points from a participant's score when instructed by the referee. If the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the inspector calculates the final score.
(5) Prior to an event, each judge shall disclose to the department all considerations, including reimbursement for expenses, which will be received from any source for participation at an event. Disclosure shall be made on a form supplied by the department.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-330 Scoring and the use of ten-point-must system.
(1) All bouts will be evaluated and scored by three judges. The ten-point-must system will be the standard system of scoring a bout. Under the ten-point-must scoring system, ten points must be awarded to the winner of the round and nine points or less must be awarded to the loser, except for an even round, which is scored 10-10.
(2) Judges shall evaluate mixed martial arts techniques, such as effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area, effective aggressiveness, and defense. Evaluations shall be made in the order in which the techniques appear, giving the most weight in scoring to effective striking, effective grappling, control of the fighting area and effective aggressiveness, and defense. Effective striking is judged by determining the number of legal strikes landed by a contestant and the significance of such legal strikes.
(3) Effective grappling is judged by considering the amount of successful executions of a legal takedown and reversals. Examples of factors to consider are takedowns from standing position to mount position, passing the guard to mount position, and bottom position using an active, threatening guard.
(4) Fighting area control is judged by determining who is dictating the pace, location and position of the bout. Examples of factors to consider are countering a grappler's attempt at takedown by remaining standing and legally striking; taking down an opponent to force a ground fight; creating threatening submission attempts, passing the guard to achieve mount, and creating striking opportunities.
(5) Effective aggressiveness means moving forward and landing a legal strike or takedown.
(6) Effective defense means avoiding being struck, taken down or reversed while countering with offensive attacks.
(7) The following objective scoring criteria shall be utilized by the judges when scoring a round:
(a) A round is to be scored as a 10-10 round when both contestants appear to be fighting evenly and neither contestant shows dominance in a round;
(b) A round is to be scored as a 10-9 round when a contestant wins by a close margin, landing the greater number of effective legal strikes, grappling, and other maneuvers;
(c) A round is to be scored as a 10-8 round when a contestant overwhelmingly dominates by striking or grappling in a round;
(d) A round is to be scored as a 10-7 round when a contestant totally dominates by striking or grappling in a round.
(8) There should be scoring of an incomplete round. If the referee penalizes either contestant, then the appropriate points shall be deducted when the inspector calculates the final score for the partial round.
(9) Fouls may result in a point being deducted by the inspector from the offending participant's score. The inspector, not the judges, will be responsible for calculating the true score after factoring in the point deduction.
(10) Only a referee can assess a foul. If the referee does not call the foul, judges shall not make that assessment on their own and cannot factor such into their scoring calculations.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-335 Referee's responsibilities/authority.
(1) The referee's primary responsibility shall be to maintain the safety and welfare of the participants at all times.
(2) Before starting a contest, the referee shall determine the name of the chief seconds for each participant. The chief second shall be responsible for the conduct of the participant's other seconds during the contest.
(3) The referee shall not allow any person other than the participant and the event physician to enter the ring during a round.
(4) The referee shall inspect the participants' bodies and gloves to make sure no substances have been applied to the detriment of an opponent.
(5) Referees who are event officials shall pass a physical examination by the event physician within twenty-four hours prior to an event for the purpose of determining their physical ability to referee the contest. If such examination indicates the referee is physically unable to referee the contest, such inability shall be noted on the prefight physical form and immediately be reported to the inspector or department representative.
(6) The referee shall have the authority to stop a contest any time he/she thinks it is too one-sided, or if either participant is in such condition that to continue might subject them to serious injury.
(7) The referee shall not make a disqualification decision based on one unintentional, low-blow foul. However, if two previous warnings for such fouls have resulted in point deductions, the third foul may be grounds for disqualification.
(8) The referee has authority to decide any matters that arise during a contest and are not covered by these rules.
(9) If a participant receives an injury that the referee thinks shall incapacitate the participant, the referee shall ask the event physician to examine the participant. The event physician shall provide the referee with an opinion as to the seriousness of the injury and either the event physician or the referee shall stop the contest if the injury is serious. When a referee calls the event physician into the ring, the referee shall direct the timekeeper to cease keeping time while the event physician examines the participant.
(10) The referee may penalize a participant who fouls an opponent during a contest, by charging such participant with the loss of points. The referee shall immediately notify the judges of the number of points to be deducted.
(11) The referee shall stop the contest if the participant's chief second determines that a contest should be stopped, and immediately signals the referee by stepping onto the ring apron, or top step of the cage.
(12) Prior to an event, each referee shall disclose to the department all considerations, including reimbursement for expenses that will be received from any source for participation in the event. The disclosure shall be made on a form supplied by the department.
(13) A decision rendered at the termination of any contest may be changed by the department if the department determines that one of the following occurred:
(a) There was collusion affecting the result of any contest;
(b) The compilation of the scorecard of the judges shows an error which would mean that the decision was given to the wrong contestant; or
(c) There was a violation of the laws or rules governing contests, which affected the result of any contest.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-340 Event physician.
(1) The event physician shall examine the participants and referees as required by RCW 67.08.090 and provide a report to the inspector or department representative in writing that discloses the results of the examinations and recommendations.
(2) Medical equipment to be utilized by an event physician for the prefight and postfight examinations of participants and referees shall consist of, but not be limited to, a blood pressure cuff, otoscope, ophthalmoscope, penlight, reflex hammer, stethoscope, thermometer, and tongue depressor.
(3) If the event physician determines that a participant or referee should not participate in an event due to a condition found during the prefight examination, the event physician shall recommend to the department that the participant or referee not participate in the event.
(4) An event physician shall be at ringside during all the contests in an event and shall be prepared to provide medical assistance to a participant if requested by the referee.
(5) The promoter shall provide the event physician with a suitable place to perform the prefight and postfight physical examinations.
(6) The event physician shall perform a postfight physical on each participant immediately following an event and may recommend temporary suspension of the participant's license due to injury incurred during a contest.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-345 Foul procedures.
(1) If a foul is committed, the referee shall:
(a) Call time;
(b) Check the fouled mixed martial artist's condition and safety; and
(c) Assess the foul to the offending contestant, deduct points, and notify each corner's seconds, judges and the inspector.
(2) If a bottom contestant commits a foul, unless the top contestant is injured, the fight shall continue, so as not to jeopardize the top contestant's superior positioning at the time.
(a) The referee shall verbally notify the bottom contestant of the foul.
(b) When the round is over, the referee shall assess the foul and notify both corners' seconds, the judges and the official inspector.
(c) The referee may terminate a bout based on the severity of a foul. For such a flagrant foul, a contestant shall lose by disqualification.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-350 Time considerations for fouls.
(1) A participant who has been struck with a low blow is allowed up to five minutes to recover from the foul as long as in the ringside doctor's opinion the participant may continue in the contest. If the participant states they can continue on before the five minutes of time have expired, the referee shall as soon as practical restart the fight. If the participant goes over the five minute time allotment, the fight cannot be restarted and the contest must come to an end with the outcome determined by the round and time in which the fight was stopped.
(2) If a contest or exhibition of mixed martial arts is stopped because of an accidental foul, the referee shall determine whether the participant who has been fouled can continue or not. If the participant's chance of winning has not been seriously jeopardized as a result of the foul and if the foul did not involve a concussive impact to the head of the participant who has been fouled, the referee may order the contest or exhibition continued after a recuperative interval of not more than five minutes. Immediately after separating the participants, the referee shall inform the department's representative of his/her determination that the foul was accidental.
(3) If a participant is fouled by a blow the referee deems illegal the referee should stop the action and call for time. The referee may take the injured participant to the ringside physician and have the ringside physician examine the participant as to their ability to continue on in the contest. The ringside physician has up to five minutes to make their determination. If the ringside physician determines that the participant can continue in the contest, the referee shall as soon as practical restart the fight. However, unlike the low blow foul rule, the participant does not have up to five minutes of time to use at their discretion.
(4) For a foul other than a low blow, the fouled participant is not guaranteed five minutes of recovery time. If deemed not fit to continue by the referee or ringside physician, the referee must immediately call a halt to the bout. If the participant is deemed not fit to continue by the referee or ringside physician but some of the five minute foul time is still remaining, the participant cannot avail himself of the remaining time.
(5) If the referee stops the contest and employs the use of the ringside physician, the ringside physician's examination shall not exceed five minutes. If five minutes is exceeded, the fight cannot be restarted and the contest must end.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-355 Outcome of contest.
(1) Submission by:
(a) Tap out: When a contestant physically uses his/her hand to indicate that he or she no longer wishes to continue; or
(b) Verbal tap out: When a contestant verbally announces to the referee that he or she does not wish to continue or makes audible sounds such as screams indicating pain or discomfort.
(2) Technical knockout if:
(a) Referee stops bout;
(b) Ringside physician stops bout;
(c) An injury as a result of a legal maneuver is severe enough to terminate a bout;
(d) Cornerman signals referee to terminate the bout; or
(e) Participant, after putting forth good effort, signals referee his/her desire to stop fighting.
(3) Knockout by: Failure to rise from the canvas;
(4) Decision via score cards:
(a) Unanimous decision: When all three judges score the bout for the same contestant;
(b) Split decision: When two judges score the bout for one contestant and one judge scores for the opponent; or
(c) Majority decision: When two judges score the bout for the same contestant and one judge scores a draw;
(d) Draws:
(i) Unanimous draw - When all three judges score the bout a draw;
(ii) Majority draw - When two judges score the bout a draw; or
(iii) Split draw - When all three judges score differently and the score total results in a draw.
(5) Disqualification if:
(a) An injury sustained during competition as a result of an intentional foul is severe enough to terminate the contest;
(b) A participant quits after putting forth no effort, thereby fostering a sham on the public;
(c) Following a contest, a participant tests positive for controlled substances per WAC 36-12-240.
(6) Technical decision if: A bout is stopped after the completion of two rounds in bouts scheduled for three rounds and after three rounds in bouts scheduled for five rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately. At least two of the judges must have the same contestant ahead on points;
(7) Technical draw if: A bout is stopped after the completion of two rounds in bouts scheduled for three rounds and after three rounds in bouts scheduled for five rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately and the judges are split (one voting for participant A, one voting for participant B, and the third judge with an even score);
(8) No decision if: A bout is stopped before the completion of two rounds in bouts scheduled for three rounds and before three rounds in bouts scheduled for five rounds due to an accidental head butt or foul causing an injury severe enough for the referee to stop the bout immediately;
(9) No contest if:
(a) The bout is unable to continue due to events other than fighting (fire, riot, ring collapse, etc.); or
(b) In the referee's judgment, there appears to be collusion affecting the outcome of the contest.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-360 Suspensions.
(1) A participant whose manager has been suspended under chapter 67.08 RCW may continue participating during the term of such suspension, signing his/her own participant/promoter contract.
(2) Participants scheduled for a contest shall sign a letter of agreement with the department accepting temporary suspension of their license if they receive an injury during the contest. The schedule for suspensions is:
(a) Thirty days for a technical knockout;
(b) Sixty days for a knockout;
(c) A period of time different than (a) and (b) of this subsection if serious injury or condition is detected by the event physician during the postfight physical; and
(d) A period of time or an indefinite period of time if serious injury or condition is detected by the event physician. If the suspension is for an indefinite period of time, the participant may not compete again without an examination completed by a physician who has provided written certification to the department that the medical condition no longer exists.
(3) If at any time a participant's ability to perform is questionable, whether for reasons of health, mental condition, or no longer possessing the ability to compete or for any other reason, the department may recommend that the participant be retired from further competition.
(4) Participants who have been recommended for retirement have a right to a hearing under chapter 34.05 RCW, Administrative Procedure Act.
NEW SECTION
WAC 36-14-365 Promoters.
(1) Promoters shall not release the names of participants in an event to the media or otherwise publicize a contest unless a participant/promoter contract has been signed and the contest approved by the department.
(2) Promoters shall not schedule an event intermission that exceeds twenty minutes.
(3) Promoters shall dispense drinks only in plastic or paper containers.
(4) Advance notices for all bouts must be in the office of the department seven days prior to the holding of any event. In addition to the regular scheduled participants the advance notice must show the names of participants engaged by the promoter for an emergency bout.
(5) Changes in announced or advertised programs for any contest must be approved prior to the contest by the department. Notice of such change or substitution must also be given to the press, conspicuously posted at the box office, and announced from the ring or cage before the opening bout. If any ticket holders desire a refund, such refund shall be made at the box office prior to the start of the first bout.
(6) The promoter of an event shall contract with each participant for a contest. Original contracts shall be filed with the department at least five days prior to the event. The contract shall be on a form supplied by the department and contain at least the following:
(a) The weight of the participant at weigh-in;
(b) The amount of the purse to be paid for the contest;
(c) The date and location of the contest;
(d) Any other payment or consideration provided to the participant;
(e) List of all fees, charges and expenses including training expenses that will be assessed to the participant or deducted from the participant's purse;
(f) Any reduction in a participant's purse contrary to a previous agreement between the promoter and the participant; and
(g) The amount of any compensation or consideration that a promoter has contracted to receive from a match.
(7) If a participant/promoter contract is renegotiated, the promoter shall provide the department with the contract at least two hours prior to an event's scheduled start time.
(8) If the information from the contract in subsection (6)(e), (f), and (g) of this section is discloseable under Washington state public disclosure law, the promoter may instead provide the information to the Association of Boxing Commissions instead of including the information in the participant/promoter contract.
(9) The promoter of an event shall provide payments for the participants' purses and event official's fee in the form of checks or money orders to the department prior to an event. The department may allow other forms of payment if arranged in advance. The department shall pay the participants and officials immediately after the event, but not later than seventy-two hours from the conclusion of the event.
(10) Promoters shall provide seats for event officials and department representatives at ringside for each event.
(11) Promoters shall provide an ambulance or paramedical unit with transport and resuscitation capabilities, with a minimum of two attendants, to be present at the event location at all times during the event.